Aaron's Rod eBook

“Yes,” she cried. “Don’t
you hate it, the house we live in—­London—­
England—­America! Don’t you hate
them?”

“I don’t like them. But I can’t
get much fire in my hatred. They pall on me
rather,” said Lilly.

“Ay!” said Aaron, suddenly stirring in
his chair.

Lilly and he glanced at one another with a look of
recognition.

“Still,” said Tanny, “there’s
got to be a clearance some day or other.”

“Oh,” drawled Clariss. “I’m
all for a clearance. I’m all for pulling
the house down. Only while it stands I do want
central heating and a good cook.”

“May I come to dinner?” said Jim.

“Oh, yes. You’d find it rather domestic.”

“Where do you live?”

“Rather far out now—­Amersham.”

“Amersham? Where’s that—?”

“Oh, it’s on the map.”

There was a little lull. Jim gulped down a drink,
standing at the sideboard. He was a tall, fine,
soldierly figure, and his face, with its little sandy
moustache and bald forehead, was odd. Aaron Sisson
sat watching him, unconsciously.

“Hello you!” said Jim. “Have
one?”

Aaron shook his head, and Jim did not press him.
It saved the drinks.

“You believe in love, don’t you?”
said Jim, sitting down near Aaron, and grinning at
him.